Construction Estimator

Construction Estimator

Exeter Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Calculate build costs and collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality projects.
  • Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a leader in sustainable construction with a rich history.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, enhanced pension, and private medical cover.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while developing your career in construction.
  • Qualifications: Experience in estimating and a strong understanding of construction methods required.
  • Other info: Diverse workplace with excellent growth opportunities and a commitment to sustainability.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Construction Estimator We are currently recruiting for an experienced Estimator to join our Construction Wales & West business. We deliver projects across multiple sectors, and this will be a hybrid role with a mix of office-based and remote working. Whilst this role is based out of our Exeter office, we are open to applicants from Devon, Cornwall or Somerset who are comfortable with commuting. It\’s an exciting time to join our business, which has a solid current workbook, coupled with a strong pipeline portfolio for the next 2 years. As the successful Estimator, you will calculate the build cost for our customers, ensuring we deliver the right net cost, on time, and to the highest quality for cost accuracy. You will collaborate with the wider preconstruction team and supply chain partners to ensure that we provide an accurate cost in line with the customer\’s requirements, project scope and current legislation. Ensuring the service and standards we provide place customer value at the forefront of delivering a perfect product. Responsibilities Ensure that all costs on the project are in accordance with the project scope, the customer\’s requirements and current legislation. Collaborate with the wider preconstruction team to secure and convert tender projects. Create robust accurate cost plans through the various design gateways up to target price. Guide the design team and inform the customer with respect to affordability. Use technical experience to identify opportunities and risks along with solutions to add value. Support the design discipline by costing change control items as identified and track through the RIBA Stages. Complete or manage project take-offs to the required level of detail (SMM7/NRM2/building quants). Provide a complete and robust cost information pack during the substantiation process to the commercial build team at handover, to include completed comparisons, bills of quantities, tender book and quotations. Collaborate with the design lead to capture and include design fees in the tender summary book (consultants, statutory authorities, surveys, schedules, and the like). Assist in the change control process, identifying design changes between RIBA stages, advising on the impact of the change and approximate cost. Carry out cost assessments on alternative design solutions to inform the final design and project/customer budget.Essential and Desirable Criteria Essential Criteria Experience of successfully completing framework & two stage style estimating jobs Have experience of various construction methods Experience of controlling costs, timing and quality in line with targets Experience of reading and accurately interpreting drawings and technical specifications Excellent standard of mathematical ability Appropriate CSCS cardDesirable Criteria Minimum relevant level 4 qualification (HNC/NVQ4 etc) Relevant degree Use Conquest Estimating System or similar Experience of taking off quantities up to SMM 7 Working towards MCIOB/RICSAdditional Information Willmott Dixon embraces diversity in the workplace and will consider flexible and agile working. We are a disability confident employer. In return we reward our people generously with a competitive package that gives you flexible benefits to fit your lifestyle and priorities. This includes but is not limited to, an enhanced pension scheme, fullly discounted private medical, life assurance, incentive bonus and a car scheme which will make us a market leader in sustainable company travel. Applicable roles will benefit from a motoring expenditure allowance (MEA) and everyone can access a new generation of low carbon and electric cars via the Willmott Dixon run car leasing scheme. About Us With over 170 years of rich history, Willmott Dixon\’s purpose is beyond profit; delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations. Ensuring that we add lasting value to the neighbourhoods we work in; our values, people, innovation, partnerships and focus on sustainability has allowed us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people can thrive. Willmott Dixon was recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 10 \”Big\” Companies to Work For in 2025, named among the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2024, and ranked in the Top Five of Europe\’s 1,000 best workplaces by the Financial Times in 2025. Willmott Dixon is also the first major contractor and developer to win a King\’s Award for Enterprise in the category of sustainable development

Construction Estimator employer: Willmott Dixon Group

Willmott Dixon is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the construction sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including enhanced pension schemes and access to sustainable transport options, our Exeter office provides a supportive atmosphere for Estimators looking to make a meaningful impact. Join us in delivering brilliant buildings while being part of a company recognised for its dedication to diversity and sustainability.
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Contact Detail:

Willmott Dixon Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Construction Estimator

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the construction industry, especially those who work as estimators. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with potential employers and get insider info on job openings.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous estimating projects. Highlight your experience with different construction methods and your ability to control costs and quality. This will give you an edge during interviews.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with common interview questions for estimators. Think about how you can demonstrate your technical experience and problem-solving skills. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are excited about joining us. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight how your skills align with the role of Construction Estimator.

We think you need these skills to ace Construction Estimator

Cost Estimation
Construction Methods
Mathematical Ability
Reading Drawings
Technical Specifications Interpretation
Framework Estimating
Two Stage Estimating
Cost Control
Project Management
Change Control Process
SMM7
NRM2
Conquest Estimating System
Collaboration Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your estimating experience and any relevant qualifications to show us you're the right fit for the Construction Estimator role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about construction estimating. Share specific examples of past projects where you’ve successfully managed costs and collaborated with teams, so we can see your potential impact.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your experience with tools like the Conquest Estimating System or similar. We want to know how you can hit the ground running and contribute to our projects from day one!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!

How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon Group

Know Your Numbers

As a Construction Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your mathematical prowess. Brush up on your cost calculations and be ready to discuss how you approach estimating costs for various construction methods. Bring examples of past projects where your estimates were spot on!

Familiarise Yourself with the Role

Make sure you understand the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be prepared to talk about your experience with framework and two-stage estimating jobs, and how you've collaborated with preconstruction teams in the past. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but that you truly understand it.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Since the role involves reading and interpreting technical drawings, be ready to discuss your experience with this. Bring along examples of drawings you've worked with and how you translated them into accurate cost plans. If you've used systems like Conquest, mention that too!

Emphasise Collaboration

Collaboration is key in this role, so think of examples where you've successfully worked with design teams or supply chain partners. Highlight how you’ve added value through teamwork and communication, especially when it comes to managing changes and ensuring customer satisfaction.

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